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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
What do you get if you throw together The Series of Unfortunate Events, The Lord of the Rings, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and a little bit of Harry Potter type magic? You get this book, an adventure story, a fantasy story - a story of orphans and wizards, hidden books and midnight chases.
One winter night, four year old Kate and her two siblings are separated from their parents for a secret purpose - and while she wants to believe they are still alive, ten years of orphanage swapping begins to wear on her faith. When the three children are taken to their newest home, it's apparent before they even arrive that things are not quite what they seem and soon they are on an adventure that will change their lives - and possibly save the world from evil.
There is a lot about this story that I liked - the believable camaraderie of the siblings, the Tolkien-like storyline and a few of the minor characters are just FUNNY with their sarcasm and irritation. For a middle-grade fantasy, I'd say it's a fine work, since I can't think of anything I'd change (except maybe tighten it up and shorten it a little, but I think that's me as an adult reader talking - for a younger audience the explanations and timing might be just right). The ending certainly left you knowing at least two more books are on their way, with some good and interesting questions left unanswered and some clear adventures yet to come.
One winter night, four year old Kate and her two siblings are separated from their parents for a secret purpose - and while she wants to believe they are still alive, ten years of orphanage swapping begins to wear on her faith. When the three children are taken to their newest home, it's apparent before they even arrive that things are not quite what they seem and soon they are on an adventure that will change their lives - and possibly save the world from evil.
There is a lot about this story that I liked - the believable camaraderie of the siblings, the Tolkien-like storyline and a few of the minor characters are just FUNNY with their sarcasm and irritation. For a middle-grade fantasy, I'd say it's a fine work, since I can't think of anything I'd change (except maybe tighten it up and shorten it a little, but I think that's me as an adult reader talking - for a younger audience the explanations and timing might be just right). The ending certainly left you knowing at least two more books are on their way, with some good and interesting questions left unanswered and some clear adventures yet to come.
This book immediately grabbed me, as three children are spirited away in the middle of the night to protect them from...what? That is the mystery that follows Kate, Michael and Emma through years of orphanages, until they land in a mysterious house with a strange man in an odd town. When they discover a secret door and an unusual book, their travels have just begun.
After placing a photo from another time within the book, the children are transported to their current location 15 years prior. A beautiful witch holds the town captive as she searches for the magical book. In their attempt to escape the witch and uncover their ties to the book, the children will learn of a prophecy, find another possible outcome for the future and determine the reason they were abandoned long ago.
What ensues is a lively, well-crafted story through time and space, where the three children discover magic, meet fantastical creatures, face their fears and find fulfillment. This is a great story with a satisfying ending that begs for another story in the series.
After placing a photo from another time within the book, the children are transported to their current location 15 years prior. A beautiful witch holds the town captive as she searches for the magical book. In their attempt to escape the witch and uncover their ties to the book, the children will learn of a prophecy, find another possible outcome for the future and determine the reason they were abandoned long ago.
What ensues is a lively, well-crafted story through time and space, where the three children discover magic, meet fantastical creatures, face their fears and find fulfillment. This is a great story with a satisfying ending that begs for another story in the series.
Yes! Abandoned children, orphanages, time travel, dwarves and wizards? Yesssssss.
Satisfyingly dark and awesome.
Satisfyingly dark and awesome.
Reread this book (in preparation for finally reading the sequels) after 7 (ish?) years. I remember liking it quite a bit, and it holds up. Well done time travel, fantasy elements that feel both classic and fresh, and more than a few moments that brought tears to my eyes, which is all I could ask for.
It draws heavily from Harry Potter, Narnia, Tolkien--but really, what doesn't?
It draws heavily from Harry Potter, Narnia, Tolkien--but really, what doesn't?
I have taken to ordering audio books that are read by Jim Dale just because he is the reader. So far, this is working out pretty well for me.
This was a bit of a slow starter for me. I was planning to move on to something else as I neared the end of the first disk, but in the very last few minutes Stephens hooked my attention and held it for the rest of the book.
I alternated between who my favorite character was. It would by Michael with his endearing love of dwarves, but then Emma would be a rapscallion. I love them both.
I am typically leery of time travel, but felt it was well done in this tale.
I have already requested the next book in the series.
This was a bit of a slow starter for me. I was planning to move on to something else as I neared the end of the first disk, but in the very last few minutes Stephens hooked my attention and held it for the rest of the book.
I alternated between who my favorite character was. It would by Michael with his endearing love of dwarves, but then Emma would be a rapscallion. I love them both.
I am typically leery of time travel, but felt it was well done in this tale.
I have already requested the next book in the series.
Children's fantasy. I really liked the premise of the book, though I found some of the dialog and pacing a little clunky. Kate, Michael and Emma were taken away from their parents and have spent the last ten years in various orphanages. They end up being the only three children in a rundown old mansion--and the excitement begins. Time travel, evil countesses, dwarves, and magic are just a few of the adventures in store for the "P" children.
(Coincidentally, I don't quite know why they made such a big deal out of not having a last name and just a letter, and why it was initially chosen (hmm, you want the kids to blend in, why not choose Smith?) and when the truth was revealed it was a little bit of a letdown).
(Coincidentally, I don't quite know why they made such a big deal out of not having a last name and just a letter, and why it was initially chosen (hmm, you want the kids to blend in, why not choose Smith?) and when the truth was revealed it was a little bit of a letdown).
I had been hearing about this book for a while and was really looking forward to reading it...it did not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and am eagerly anticipating the rest of the series. I think this is a series that is going to be a real hit. The characters are all unique and fun. They each have their own voice both in the book and in the world of literature. While the book does have some aspects of other childrens series, there are enough unique characteristics that it is able to stand on its own and not make you think it is copying anything in particular. This was a fun page-turner and I highly recommend it.
Wonderful fantasy adventure of three children and a magical book. At times the narration reminded me of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Now where to find the magical sequel....
Looking forward to reading book 2 in this fantasy series. I really enjoyed reading this book.
Pretty fun read, but too many aspects of it seemed cobbled together from other familiar stories and too predictable for this to feel like anything I'll pay attention to later.